CONCRETE PRESSURES CONCRETE PRESSURES

2) Pour rate: Concrete pressure at any point on the form is directly proportional to the height of liquid concrete
above it. If concrete begins to harden before the pour is complete, the full liquid head will not develop and the
pressure against the forms will be less than if the pour were completed before any of concrete hardened. Once
UNDERSTANDING CONCRETE PRESSURES AND LOADS ON FORMWORK
concrete hardens it cannot exert more pressure on the forms even though liquid concrete continues to be
placed above it. The following diagrams for a 365 cm wall illustrate how form pressure varies when the pour
Designing and building formwork effectively requires a basic understanding of how concrete behaves as it exerts
rate is increased from 122 cm to 183 cm. For ease of explanation, it is assumed that concrete hardens in one
pressure on formwork.
hour (typically) at 21C. This will cause the form pressures shown on these diagrams to differ slightly from ACI
recommended pressures.
Lateral concrete pressure is affected by:

1) Height of poor
2) Pour rate
3) Weight of concrete
4) Temperature
5) Type of cement
6) Vibration
7) Concrete slump ( water cement ratio )
8) Chemical additives.

1) Height of poor: Before concrete hardens, it acts like a liquid and pushes against the forms the way water
When the pour rate is increased to 183 cm/hour the pressure also increases.
presses against the walls of a storage tank. The amount of pressure at any point on the form is directly
determined by the height and weight of concrete above it. Pressure is not affected by the thickness of the wall.

3) Weight of Concrete: Pressure exerted against the forms is directly proportional to the unit weight of concrete.
Light weight concrete will exert less pressure than normal weight concrete.

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 CONCRETE PRESSURES CONCRETE PRESSURES

4) Temperature: The time it takes concrete to harden is influenced greatly by its temperature. The higher the CONCRETE PRESSURES ACCORDING TO DIN 18218
temperature of the concrete, the quicker it will harden. Most formwork designs are based on an assumed
average air and concrete temperature of 21C. At low air temperatures, the hardening of concrete is delayed
For calculating concrete pressure
and you need to decrease your pour rate or heat your concrete to keep the pressure against the formwork from
increasing. Ideally, concrete should be poured at temperatures between 16C and 38C. Outside this temperature
range there is often insufficient moisture available for curing. If adequate water for curing is not available or Pmax = G.C2 . KT (0,48 . V + 0,74) in (kN/m2)
freezes, the strength of the concrete will suffer.
or
5) Type of Cement: The cement type will influence the rate at which concrete hardens. A high early strength
concrete will harden faster than normal concrete and will allow a faster pour rate. When using a cement which
For calculating rate of placing
alters the normal set and hardening time, be sure to adjust the pour rate accordingly. 2,08.p - 1,54 in (m/h)
Vperm =
G.C2.KT
6) Vibration: Internal vibration consolidates concrete and causes it to behave like the pure liquid previously
discussed. If concrete is not vibrated , it will exert less pressure on the forms. ACI recommended formulas for Cross-section coefficient Additive coefficient Temperature coefficient
form pressures may be reduced 10% if the concrete is spaded rather than internally vibrated. Re-vibration and not taken into account C2 = 0,065.TV + 1
external vibration result in higher form loads than internal vibration. These types of vibration require specially K T = 145-3.T
(TV =retarder in h) 100
designed forms.
(T= concrete temperature)
7) Concrete Slump: When concrete has very low slump, it acts less like a liquid and will transmit less pressure.
ACI formulas for form pressure are based on a slump of 4 or less.
When using concrete with a slump greater than 4, the formwork should be designed to resist full liquid head. Range of validity
- Consistency K2/K3
8) Chemical additives: When using chemical additives i.e. retarders, plasticizers, etc. make sure to refer to - 50C T 300C
the vendors application data. - for C2 > 1,0:KT 1,0
(i.e. no reduction of concrete pressure when using concrete additives and in the case of concrete temperatures of
more than + 150C)
- Pmax 80kN/m2 for walls
- Pmax 100kN/m2 for columns
- Independent of concreting height H

CONCRETE PRESSURES ACCORDING TO CIRIA*-REPORT 108

For calculating concrete pressure

Pmax =G (C1V + C2. KT H-C1 V in(kN/m2)
or
Pmax =G.H (the smaller value is decisive) in(kN/m2)

For calculating the rate of placing

2
P
G
2 2
-C K -C .K
2 2 2 T
C 2
2
2
K +4(H-
2
P
G
)
Vperm = ( )
2.C
1

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 CONCRETE PRESSURES SAFETY MEASURES

Cross-section coefficient Additive coefficient Temperature coefficient TMS s Word About Safety
C1 = 1,0 for walls C2 = 0,30 for normal concrete 36
KT =
T+16 High productivity depends on safety; an accident, no matter how minor, causes job delays and inefficiency, running up costs.
1,5 for columns 0,45 for concrete with retarder Thats why TMS, in the design of its systems and products, makes, as one of its primary concerns, the safety of those people who will
(Cross-section designated be working with and near the equipment. Every product is designed with safety in mind, and is subjected to testing to be certain that it
will perform as intended with appropriate safety allowances. Factory-built systems, such as these, provide predictable strengths, thereby
as columns if both edge lengths minimizing the uncertainty that often surrounds handmade, job-shop and job-built equipment.
are smaller than 2,0m)
As a result, when used properly, TMS products are your best assurance of a safe operation. To insure proper use, we have published
product application guides. We recommend that all construction personnel who will be involved, directly or indirectly, with the use of this
Range of validity product, be familiar with the contents of this guide.
- independent of consistency
- 50C T 300C As a concerned participant in the construction industry, TMS Corporation also recommends that regular safety meetings be held, prior to
starting the forming operation, and regularly throughout the concrete placement and form stripping and erection operations.
- no limit for reduction of concrete pressure when using additives and in the case of concrete TMS personnel will be happy to assist in these meetings, with discussions of safe use of the equipment, and other formal safety
temperatures of more than + 150C information.
- Pmax 90kN/m2 for walls
In addition to the above meetings, all persons involved with the construction should be familiar, and in compliance, with the applicable
- Pmax 166kN/m2 for columns government regulations, codes and ordinances, as well as the industry safety standards developed and published.
- Dependent on concreting height H
Since field conditions vary, and are beyond the knowledge and control of TMS, safe and proper use of this product is, and must be, the
responsibility of the user.
* CIRIA : Construction Industry Research and Information Association
Job Safety Analysis and Method Statements

Job safety analyses detail the sequence of work, the equipment to be used at each stage, the hazards to be controlled, the precautions
NOTES on Formulas and Parameters ; to be taken and the responsibilities of persons involved.

Comparison of formulas for the calculation of the max. concrete pressure Job safety analyses are a basis for and form part of the method statements for the work. They shall be communicated to everyone
The different formulas for the design of concrete pressures of DIN and CIRIA can be easily compared by choosing an identical set of variables. involved in the activity at the kick-off meeting, and they shall be used to supervise and monitor the work itself.
Cross-section coefficient C1
For small ground-plan cross-sections the vibrator can exert a relatively high force on the formwork. The effective depth of the vibrator increases the Changes or problems which occur during the work itself should be continuously assessed by the work supervisor and work teams,
vibration of the formwork with the result that the concrete pressure also increases. In addition to this the pouring and vibration zones are usually at the e.g. by applying the Three Whats;
same point thus increasing the liquid head and consequently the pressure. The CIRIA Report 108 distinguishes between the cross-section of columns and
walls. ~ What can go wrong ?
~ What can cause it to go wrong ?
Additive coefficient C2 ~ What can be done to prevent it going wrong
The formulas cover all standard types of concrete up to an aggregate size of 40mm. The concrete pressure increases with the use of additives, e.g.
retarders and plasticizers. The measurement of CIRIA on different sites have shown that the consistency of the concrete does not influence the concrete
Ladders and movable platforms
pressure considerably. Where extremely low slump concrete is specified the added vibration needed to ensure reinforcement, encasement and concrete
compaction also results in increased concrete pressure. The DIN standards taken this variation into account. The additive coefficient takes into account
pressure increaes resulting from the use of retarders. Ladders higher than 2,5m will have surrounding cages. In case of hatchway covering is not available, ladders will protrude min.
1m to the upper decking.
Temperature coefficient KT (C) All ladders shall be properly maintained.
Concrete pressure is directly related to temperature and must always be considered. This factor examines the rigidity of concrete at different temperatures. They shall be inspected before use and any observed defect remedied at once. Ladders which are found in an unsafe condition shall
In Europe concreting temperatures are generally between +5C and + 30C, but still most pressure tables are based on an average concrete temperature immediately be destroyed.
of + 15C. Movable work platforms used in construction include Rolling Towers, Lift Platforms, Cradles and Man Baskets. They shall be maintained
to industry standards. They shall only be operated by competent qualified operators.
Specific weight G(kN/m3)
The specific weight of normal concrete is generally accepted as 25kN/m3. This value is based on the design tables. Light-weight or heavy concrete varies
according to the individual specific design. For concreting below water the following is valid; G =25-9,81 15kN/ m3. Scaffolds

Vertical concreting height H(m)
According to CIRIA and our own experience the concreting height is one of the most important factors. The DIN standard does not take into account this
factor resulting in an underestimation of concrete pressures.
Rate of placing V(m/h)
The rate of placing is perhaps the most important factor relating to concrete pressure. The rate of placing is defined as the vertical rise of concrete within
the formwork per hour. Lengthy pauses between layers of concrete must be avoided as CIRIA has stated (in contrast to DIN) that the relation between rate
of placing and the obtained concrete pressure is not linear.
Excluded factors
The permeability of the form-facing was ignored as after only a few uses the reduction of the pore pressure of permeable form-facing is negligible.
The roughness of the formwork is unimportant providing the concrete has not stiffened and is acting as a liquid. The concrete should be poured from a
relatively low height to avoid locally increased concrete pressures due to shock from falling liquid concrete. The formulas are based on compaction with
standard internal vibrators and not with external vibrators which cause a further increase in concrete pressure due to the vibration of the formwork. Too
much vibration modifies the curve of concrete pressure considerably.
The Contractor shall manage the safe erection, inspection and use of scaffolds, in line with the provided method statements and
application guides.
He shall appoint a scaffolding supervisor to ensure materials are to the correct standard, that subcontractor scaffolding personnel are
competent, to inspect scaffolds on-site and to monitor implementation of the system.
The Contractor shall also ensure that rolling and tower scaffolds are well controlled. In particular scaffolds with a height greater than three
times the minimum base dimension shall be braced with outriggers or tied off while being used. Castor brakes shall be locked when not in
motion and towers shall be free of men, material and equipment before being moved
Only authorised scaffolders shall erect all scaffolds. Unauthorised modification of scaffolds, removal of bracing - toe boards and similar
from scaffolds are prohibited.
Scaffolding materials (poles / planks / clamps / etc. ) shall be inspected before and after use and any observed defect remedied at once.
Any material in an unsafe condition shall be destroyed immediately.

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 SAFETY MEASURES

Fall protection
Falls from height are the most common fatal accidents in construction. The risk of falls can be reduced by careful planning of work at
height, including provision of safe access and fall protection.
All work areas, walkways and platforms which are more than 1 metre above ground level or the platform below will be provided with
solid guard rails i.e 5x10 timber or dia 48mm tubes-both upper and intermediate. In most cases a toe-board would be delivered with the
system.
When working outside complete platforms a safety harness and lanyard shall be worn and clipped on. Safety belts are insufficient as falls
can cause abdominal injuries.
This applies to scaffolders formwork team, and steel erectors in particular.
The Contractor shall set up a procedure to control the modification of scaffolds and the removal of grating from staircases and platforms

Guard rails, platforms and barricades

Signs and barricades shall be provided to protect all workers and the public from injury.

All work areas, walkways, platforms, etc. elevated 1 m. or more, whether permanent or temporary, are to encompassed by an approved
guard-rail (with upper + intermediate rail + toe board) securely fastened and are to provide safe, sturdy surfaces maintaining te approved
load.

Floor openings shall be temporarily securely covered rather than identified by guard rails or ropes/wires. With steel deckings i.e. scaffold
steel deckings, gratings etc.- a hatchway cover will come as part of the systems.

Special attention is required to the temporary removal and subsequent installation of permanent ladders, grating and handrails.

False work

False work is any temporary structure used to support a permanent structure during its erection. A qualified engineer shall be nominated
who co-ordinates all major temporary work schemes. Design briefs including material inspection, foundation and erection checklists shall
be arranged.

Work on or over water

Life jackets or buoyancy aids, as detailed below, shall be worn for all work on,
over or near water where there is a significant risk of a fall into water.
. For work on complete platforms a buoyancy aid shall be worn
. For construction of platforms or work on incomplete platforms over water, an inherently
buoyant or self-inflating life jacket shall be worn
. Life jackets shall be designed to turn and support a floating unconscious wearer face-up.

Lifting operations

Crane operation, banking, slinging and signalling shall be performed by competent persons, who have been assessed and authorised by
the Contractor. Crane banksmen, riggers and signallers shall wear distinctively coloured safety helmets or clothing.

Lifting gear

Lifting gear consists of wire or webbing slings, chains, lifting lugs, shackles etc.

The Contractor shall set up a procedure for inspecting all lifting gear when it is brought onto site and periodically afterwards. It shall
include identification of each item with its safe working load, colour coding and maintaining records of inspections.

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